Topic: Lobbyists

Republicans score perfect voting records in favor of Chamber positions

There are more than 1,635 such special districts in Florida, and they include hospital districts, mosquito control districts, draining districts and community development districts. SB 1632, which requires special districts to have web sites and amends reporting and ethics requirements, prompted criticism from senators who said the districts are out of control and need to be reviewed.

There were 250 public records exemptions in 1985, the number could climb nearly to 1,100 if 25 proposed exemptions are passed this year. The First Amendment Foundation, the Tea Party, Integrity Florida and Citizens Awareness Foundation are among those calling for improving access to public records and meetings.

Florida's biggest urban area stepped into the Capitol spotlight Wednesday when it offered to feed everyone. "Miami-Dade Paella Days are epic," said Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam. "It's all fresh from Florida. (And) It showcases our ethnic diversity and the quality of our cuisine."

The Florida Chamber of Commerce, having seen most of its agenda passed in recent years, will chase after bills that have stumbled in past legislative sessions.

The two presiding legislative officers are working on a compromise measure to exempt new law enforcement officials and other first responders from going into a defined contribution pension system. They're also intent on auditing lobbyists.

Two group purchasing organizations, the Cooperative Services of Florida and the Minnesota Multistate Contracting Alliance for Pharmacy, are waiting on an administrative court judge's order to decide which group will be awarded a state pharmaceutical purchasing contract. ... Related Research: Petition and Formal Written Protest from Cooperative Services of Florida to the Department of Management Services.

Former House legislative analyst and lobbyist for Gray Robinson -- Christopher Hansen -- joins the lobbying firm in its Tallahassee office. ... Related Research: Press Release: Ballard Partners Expands; Christopher Hansen Joining Tallahassee Office.

A request by Sen. Wilton Simpson to use office letterhead to endorse worthy causes in his district was OK'd. However, the panel decided that former Rep. Peter Nehr may not lobby to have his business offered as a state employee benefit.

Health care, sugar and gambling interests spent the most with lobbyists during the summer months when most lawmakers spend time away from Tallahassee. The top three earners remain the same with Ballard Partners edging out Ron Book and the Southern Strategy Group.

The James Madison Institute, a Tallahassee-based free-market think tank named in the report, says it is "full of cherry-picked misinformation and misleading statements."

A real outsider might upset Clinton in 2016, contends the writer of a new book about politics and lobbying in the nation's capital. He calls Washington, D.C. the wealthiest city in the country where an entrenched status quo has no intention of bringing meaningful change.

The Florida Supreme Court holds oral arguments all week including the League of Women Voters' challenge to the 2012 legislative redistricting; the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists holds its annual conference; and the Board of Education holds its first regulation since the resignation of Education Commissioner Tony Bennett.

GOP establishment, lobbyists open checkbooks for the Pasco County minister who hopes to succeed Rep. Mike Fasano, who was appointed tax collector. The three-way Republican primary for the special election is Tuesday.